Sammie Savage was found shot to death on Sunday just after 5:30 a.m., police said.

He had been living at the Sunshine Inn, 1234 S. Ridgewood Ave., and paid his rent in cash, the chief said. Management at the motel did not return a call for comment on Wednesday.

A witness heard the gunshots and called police but did not see the suspect. Another witness, however, did see a man running from Savage's room but could not see the individual's face.

State records show Savage was a convicted cocaine dealer. He was released from Graceville Correctional Facility, where he was held under close supervision, in September 2012. He had just finished serving a four-year sentence for conspiracy to traffic drugs, prison records show.

The 42-year-old had served other stints in prison for burglary and unarmed robbery, as well.

Police spokesman Jimmie Flynt said officers found Savage lying on the floor of Room 108 with a gunshot wound. The investigation is ongoing and no suspect has been identified.

Savage's murder becomes the 14th unsolved homicide for Daytona Beach police since 2007. So far this year there are three unsolved killings, including Savage's.

Police are asking that anyone with information to call Daytona Beach police, 386-671-5100.

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